Raising healthy baby chicks requires proper care and attention from day one. Many farmers unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to high chick mortality and slow growth. Avoiding these common errors will ensure your chicks grow into strong, productive chickens.
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1️⃣ Not Warming Up the Brooder Before Chicks Arrive
🔴 Mistake: Many farmers place chicks in a cold brooder immediately after arrival. This sudden temperature shock can cause stress, making chicks weak and vulnerable to diseases.
✔️ Solution:
✅ Preheat the brooder 2-3 hours before the chicks arrive.
✅ Maintain the correct brooder temperature:
95°F (35°C) for the first week.
Reduce by 5°F each week until fully feathered.
✅ Use heat lamps or brooder plates for even warmth.
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2️⃣ Giving Food Too Soon Without Water Prep
🔴 Mistake: Offering dry feed immediately upon arrival can upset their digestion and lead to dehydration.
✔️ Solution:
✅ First, give them water mixed with glucose & vitamins for the first 2 hours.
✅ After hydration, introduce small amounts of feed.
✅ This boosts their immune system and improves digestion.
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3️⃣ Using Large Feeders in the First Week
🔴 Mistake: Placing feed in large feeders makes it hard for small chicks to access food. This leads to unequal growth as weaker chicks struggle to eat.
✔️ Solution:
✅ For the first week, use flat trays or shallow plates.
✅ Once chicks grow, transition to small feeders that prevent waste.
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4️⃣ Using Tarpaulin Instead of Paper on the Brooder Floor
🔴 Mistake: Some farmers use tarpaulin or plastic sheets, which trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria like coccidiosis.
✔️ Solution:
✅ Use newspapers or clean paper sheets to absorb moisture.
✅ Keep litter dry to prevent disease.
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5️⃣ Feeding Large Pellets Instead of Crumbs
🔴 Mistake: Offering large feed pellets makes it difficult for chicks to eat and digest, slowing their growth.
✔️ Solution:
✅ Provide crumbled feed or mash to match their small beaks.
✅ As chicks grow, gradually switch to larger feed sizes.
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6️⃣ Not Covering the Litter for the First 3 Days
🔴 Mistake: Chicks can’t differentiate feed from bedding. They may eat wood shavings, sawdust, or sand, leading to digestive problems.
✔️ Solution:
✅ Cover the brooder floor with paper or cloth for the first 3 days.
✅ After 3 days, remove the covering to allow chicks to scratch and explore safely.
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7️⃣ Keeping the Brooder Too Hot
🔴 Mistake: Overheating the brooder can cause dehydration, stress, and constipation in chicks.
✔️ Solution:
✅ Maintain proper brooder temperature:
95°F (35°C) for the first week.
Gradually reduce by 5°F each week.
✅ Observe chick behavior:
If chicks huddle together, they are too cold.
If chicks spread out and pant, they are too hot.
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Bonus Tips for Raising Strong, Healthy Chicks
✔ Provide clean water at all times. Dehydration is a major cause of chick deaths.
✔ Use a well-balanced starter feed for faster growth.
✔ Ensure proper ventilation in the brooder to reduce ammonia buildup.
✔ Monitor for early signs of illness like lethargy or weak legs.
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Conclusion: Get Your Chicks Off to the Best Start!
Raising healthy chicks requires attention to detail and avoiding these common mistakes. By following these best practices, you’ll reduce chick mortality, improve growth rates, and build a stronger, more productive flock.
🐥 Have you experienced any challenges raising chicks? Share your tips in the comments! 🏡🚜
